Provolone Cheese vs Ricotta Salata Cheese

Provolone Cheese

Ricotta Salata Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Provolone Cheese and Ricotta Salata Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Provolone Cheese and Ricotta Salata Cheese?"
  • "Is Provolone Cheese and Ricotta Salata Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Provolone Cheese compare to Ricotta Salata Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Provolone Cheese compare to Ricotta Salata Cheese?"
  • "Is Provolone Cheese or Ricotta Salata Cheese better?"

Provolone Cheese Overview

Provolone is a well-known Italian cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes sharper and more robust with age. Made from cow's milk, this stretched-curd cheese can be aged from a few months to a year or more. Provolone is excellent for slicing, grating, or melting.

Ricotta Salata Cheese Overview

Ricotta Salata is a pressed, salted, dried, and aged version of ricotta, which turns it into a firm, crumbly cheese with a mild, milky flavor and a slightly salty bite. It's frequently grated over pasta, salads, or used in cooked dishes where a gentle cheese flavor is desired.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Ricotta Salata Cheese originated from Italy.

Milk Type and Treatment

Provolone Cheese is made with cow milk. Ricotta Salata Cheese is made with sheep milk.

Composition and Texture

Provolone's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan". Ricotta Salata's texture can be described as "semi-hard, whey".

Taste and Aroma

Provolone Cheese has a tangy taste. Provolone's aroma can be described as "pleasant".

Appearance and Aging

Provolone Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow .

Ranking

Provolone is ranked #4 out of 996 types based on community views. Ricotta Salata is ranked #69 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Provolone Ricotta Salata
Best Pairings Pastrami, Salami No pairings listed.
Other Good Pairings Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey Vinho Verde

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Provolone and Ricotta Salata pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Provolone Cheese Ricotta Salata Cheese
Country of Origin Italy Italy
Specific Origin Not Specified Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's milk Sheep's milk
Texture Semi-hard, artisan Semi-hard, whey
Taste Tangy Not Specified
Aroma Pleasant Not Specified
Colors Pale yellow Not Specified

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-hard, artisan cheese, go for Provolone. But if you enjoy a semi-hard, whey consistency, Ricotta Salata might be the better pick.

Compare Provolone Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Ricotta Salata Cheese to Other Cheeses

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